WIGAN star James McArthur last night landed a Scotland recall for Wednesday’s clash in Slovenia.

The former Hamilton ace was left out of the original 24-man party but travelled north to link up with the squad ahead of the trip to Koper to replace injured Celtic captain Scott Brown.

Parkhead skipper Brown, who sat out the weekend win over Motherwell, reported to Mar Hall to have his groin injury assessed and was sent home by medical staff.

Scotland boss Craig Levein also has doubts over Phil Bardsley (calf) and Blackpool ace Matt Phillips is set to miss out with a hamstring strain.

McArthur, though, has stepped forward to boost the ranks and is looking to win his sixth cap.

Brighton hitman Craig Mackail-Smith limped off on Saturday, following a crude challenge by Ipswich defender Damien Delaney, but insists he will be fit for Slovenia.

He said: “I got clattered near the end against Ipswich but I’ll be fine and I’m looking forward to Slovenia.”

The former Peterborough frontman believes he is coming back to form just in time for the friendly trip.

Mackail-Smith celebrated his 28th birthday on Saturday with only his third goal in the Championship since September and admits he is lucky to be in Levein’s squad for Slovenia. Leeds United’s Ross McCormack has scored more in England’s second tier – and the stand-off between Levein and Wolves forward Steven Fletcher shows no sign of ending.

But Mackail-Smith is buzzing again after a clinical strike in the 3-0 win over Ipswich.

The Watford-born forward, who scored Scotland’s winner in Liechtenstein in October, insists he has Levein’s loyalty to repay.

Mackail-Smith, who scored 35 goals in League One for Peterborough last season, said: “I would have understood if I hadn’t been selected.

“It can be difficult if the goals aren’t flying in but the confidence is coming back and I’m enjoying my football again.

“I want to be selected in as many squads as possible and obviously the gaffer has to do the best he can for the country and the squad.

“If I was left out I would have to look at myself, say ‘I understand why this has happened’. Then it would be down to me to work harder to change things.

“But it is a great feeling to see the ball hit the back of the net to get the week off to a good start.

“It does help the confidence, you have had that feeling recently, and if I am involved on Wednesday then hopefully I can do the same.”